There was a time when the popular belief was that the firmest mattress would be the best mattress for back pain. However, this statement cannot be backed by any solid research or concrete information. In reality, there isn’t a specific type of mattress that is suitable for everyone, including those who suffer from back pain. While this may sound diplomatic, it is true that different people have different needs. Thus, choosing a mattress that makes you comfortable is very important.
This being said, choosing the best mattress for back pain can be a tricky task. There are way too many mattresses out there in the market, and there are more factors than comfort to be considered while choosing the best mattress for back pain. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while choosing a mattress:
Spine alignment
Good posture is always important, and it is crucial that your mattress helps by enabling your spine to be aligned. Your ligaments and the tissues around your muscles in the back need to relax to recover when you sleep. Therefore, it is essential that the mattress is neither too firm nor too soft. The firmness of the mattress boils down to the different needs of a person. For instance, people with narrow hips would find firm mattresses as the best for their back pain. However, people with wider hips require a softer surface on the mattress for the spine at the neck as well as the lower back to rest.
Medium firmness is always safe
A study was once conducted in which around 300 people with lower back pain were assigned mattresses for 90 days. Some were given firm mattresses, while others received mattresses with medium firmness. At the end of the 90 days, the people given the mattresses with medium firmness were found to have suffered the least discomfort.
One good alternative is investing in a memory foam mattress. The foam helps the mattress adjust to your body. The disadvantage, however, is that these have a lot of chemicals in them.
Take your time
Take your time while choosing a mattress. Be more sensitive to find out more about the mattresses that you use. For instance, if you slept well at a hotel and found that you were pain-free the next morning, then be sure to find the model number of the mattress. Some companies also refund your money if you do not find the mattress comfortable after using it for 30 to 100 days!
In another study, a number of people who were given different mattresses to try for a period of 30 months. This study showed that most people had no trouble sleeping regardless of the mattress that they were given. The only difference found was that the medium- and high-priced mattresses were the best mattress for back pain compared to cheaper mattresses. Another conclusion was that mattresses that were 9 to 10 years old did not do well in terms of back support. So, if you have a mattress that is as old or as used, it may be time to buy a new one to avoid further pain.
Thus, almost any new mattress will serve you better than an old and saggy one. However, it may be wise to know that investing in at least a medium-priced mattress will be better suited than going for a cheaper alternative and then risking back pain.
Although most mattresses today come with the guarantee of it lasting a lifetime, you probably should change your mattress after a certain period of time. This is because the mattress may collect dust mites, germs, and fungus that may aggravate allergic conditions and, thus, affect your health. Your mattress may also become uncomfortable, which may not be ideal especially for people with chronic back pain. In addition, keep in mind that pillows and positions matter while choosing the best mattress for back pain.